CongressmanBob Goodlatte

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Goodlatte Introduces Industrial Hemp Bill in House

Today, the bipartisan Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2017 (H.R. 3530) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.), Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Jared Polis (D-Colo.), and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.).

The Industrial Hemp Farming Act removes industrial hemp from the Controlled Substance Act’s definition of marijuana and gives states the authority to carry out responsible hemp cultivation programs, should they so choose. It also permits increased research opportunities on hemp production at state departments of agriculture and universities.

Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement:

“Industrial hemp isn’t a new crop to the United States, but most Americans aren’t aware of the wide range of legitimate uses for it. Last year, I had the opportunity to visit the Rockingham County farm of a participant in Virginia’s industrial hemp research program to see firsthand how this crop is grown and harvested.

“I’ve met many Virginia farmers who are ready to commercially produce and create a market for industrial hemp in the U.S., but outdated, though well-intentioned, federal restrictions on the cultivation and commercialization of this crop stand in the way. By removing industrial hemp from the definition of a controlled substance, the Industrial Hemp Farming Act will finally allow for responsible, commercial production of industrial hemp without fear of violating federal law.

“This bipartisan bill is the product of many months of robust discussion with both lawmakers and stakeholders. I am pleased to see it introduced today, and I look forward to moving this legislation through the House.”

Did you know? Hemp has played an important role in our nation’s history. Our Founding Fathers grew hemp and made use of its remarkable textile qualities as they built our nation. During World War II, the U.S. government created a “Hemp for Victory” campaign to encourage hemp cultivation so that hemp products could be utilized by the war effort.

Hemp can be used in thousands of products, including fabrics, textiles, paper, auto parts, home furnishings, carpet, construction materials, hemp seed and oil, plant-based beverages, nutritional supplements, and cosmetics.

Click here for additional comments from the original sponsors of the Industrial Hemp Farming Act.